WHERE
Gansu, Qinghai
Along the Silk Road
A 9-Day Journey Through Northwest China’s History, Art & Landscapes
Price
Average 355 USD per person per day (minimum 2 travelers required)
For detailed price, please contact us.
How long
9 Days / 8 Nights
The Inspiration Behind the Journey
Northwest China is where history and landscape unfold on an extraordinary scale.
This nine-day journey follows the ancient Silk Road westward, beginning along the Yellow River in Lanzhou before tracing the Hexi Corridor through Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang.
The route is designed as a gradual transition through both civilization and landscape. From the vivid colors of Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountains to the fortress walls of Jiayuguan, and from the desert landscapes of Mingsha Mountain to the thousand-year-old caves of Mogao, each stop reveals a different chapter of the Silk Road.
In Dunhuang, the journey slows down to explore the artistic and spiritual legacy preserved inside Mogao Caves—where murals and sculptures offer a glimpse into the centuries of cultural exchange between East and West.
From there, the landscape opens even further.
Crossing the Qaidam Basin, the journey moves from desert and Gobi into the deep blue of Qinghai Lake, before reaching Kumbum Monastery, where Tibetan Buddhist art, prayer flags and sacred traditions offer another perspective on the cultures of the Silk Road.
We have deliberately left space to experience these places rather than simply pass through them: watching the colors change across the Danxia landscape, sharing tea beside the Yellow River, experiencing the silence of the desert, and taking in the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau.
This is not simply a journey through famous sights.
It is a journey designed to connect landscape, history, faith, art and everyday life along one of the world’s great historic routes.
Journey Highlights
Perfect for：Travelers fascinated by the Silk Road, ancient civilizations, artistic heritage and dramatic natural landscapes.
The Silk Road in Context
Follow the Hexi Corridor and explore the traces of centuries of exchange between China, Central Asia, South Asia and the wider world.
Landscapes of the Northwest
Experience Rainbow Mountains, the Qilian Mountains, Mingsha Mountain, the Qaidam Gobi and the vast blue expanse of Qinghai Lake.
Art, Faith & History
Explore Mogao Caves, Mati Temple, Jiayuguan and Kumbum Monastery through the different artistic, religious and historical layers of the Silk Road.
The Flavors of the Northwest
Taste regional specialties ranging from Lanzhou beef noodles and local lamb to halal cuisine, Dunhuang dishes and highland flavors.
A Journey Measured in Horizons:
From the Yellow River to desert skies and from ancient Silk Road cities to a sacred highland lake, leave with a lasting sense of the scale and history of Northwest China.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day / 01
Lanzhou · The Yellow River
Arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, where your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Spend the afternoon walking along the Yellow River Scenic Line, visiting Zhongshan Bridge, the iconic Yellow River Mother sculpture and Baita Mountain Park.
In the evening, explore Zhengning Road Night Market at your own pace and sample local specialties such as Lanzhou beef noodles and local lamb.
Note: Driver service only on Day 1; your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel the following morning.
Meals: Breakfast (/); Lunch (/); Dinner (at your own expense)
Stay: Luxury hotel in central Lanzhou
Day / 02
Lanzhou to Zhangye · Rainbow Mountains at Sunset
Take the high-speed train to Zhangye after breakfast.
In the late afternoon, visit Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, travelling through the colorful landforms by sightseeing vehicle.
At the viewpoints, wait for sunset as shades of deep red, ochre and blue gradually spread across the landscape.
Enjoy dinner in a private dining room featuring local Gansu-style lamb.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (hotel); Dinner (private local dinner)
Stay: High-end international hotel in Zhangye
Day / 03
Zhangye to Jiayuguan · Mati Temple · The Western Frontier
Travel by private vehicle to Jiayuguan, stopping first at Mati Temple Grottoes.
Walk along the cliffside caves of the Thirty-Three Heavens, with views stretching toward the Qilian Mountains and surrounding grasslands.
In the afternoon, explore Jiayuguan Pass, the Great Wall Museum and the Overhanging Great Wall, discovering the role of this historic fortress at the western edge of the Ming dynasty frontier.
End the day with a private dinner featuring Northwest-style barbecue.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (hotel); Dinner (private local barbecue)
Stay: High-end international hotel in Jiayuguan
Day / 04
Jiayuguan to Dunhuang · Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake
Travel by private vehicle to Dunhuang.
In the afternoon, explore Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where desert dunes rise around a remarkably tranquil oasis.
Optional experiences include camel riding and desert stargazing.
In the evening, an optional outdoor performance or desert bonfire dinner can be arranged.
Meals: Breakfast (guesthouse); Lunch (guesthouse); Dinner (guesthouse)
Stay: Luxury resort guesthouse in Dunhuang
Day / 05
Dunhuang · The Thousand-Year Legacy of Mogao
After breakfast, travel to the Mogao Caves for a full-day exploration.
With an expert guide and Category A admission, visit the digital exhibition centre and selected cave interiors to discover the extraordinary murals and sculptures created over centuries.
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Dunhuang.
Enjoy lunch featuring local lamb in a private dining room before returning to the guesthouse for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast (guesthouse); Lunch (local lamb, private dining); Dinner (guesthouse)
Stay: Luxury resort guesthouse in Dunhuang
Day / 06
Dunhuang to Qinghai Lake · Across the Gobi
Leave Dunhuang behind and cross the Qaidam Gobi by private vehicle toward Qinghai Lake.
Watch the landscape gradually change from arid desert into highland grasslands before arriving at the shores of the lake.
Take a relaxed walk beside the water and experience the extraordinary scale of Qinghai Lake, one of China’s great highland landscapes.
Your hotel features rooms with diffused oxygen supply to provide additional comfort at altitude.
High-altitude note:Qinghai Lake sits at approximately 3,200–3,300 metres. Avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of warm water and allow yourself time to adjust.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (hotel); Dinner (hotel)
Stay: High-end international hotel near Qinghai Lake
Day / 07
Qinghai Lake · Kumbum Monastery · Xining
Travel to Kumbum Monastery after breakfast.
Discover its celebrated artistic traditions, including butter sculptures, murals and thangka embroidery, while experiencing the atmosphere of this important Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
Continue to Xining in the afternoon and spend some time at leisure after check-in.
Religious etiquette: Please avoid clothing that exposes the shoulders or knees and follow local religious customs.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (hotel); Dinner (private halal dining)
Stay:High-end hotel in Xining
Day / 08
Xining to Lanzhou · Traces of the Silk Road
Take the high-speed train back to Lanzhou after breakfast.
Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum and discover key Silk Road artefacts, including the famous Bronze Galloping Horse, while tracing the history of the Hexi Corridor.
Later, enjoy a traditional Sanpao Tai tea beside the Yellow River—a simple local ritual that offers a glimpse into everyday life in Northwest China.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (halal cuisine); Dinner (halal cuisine)
Stay:Luxury hotel in Lanzhou
Day / 09
Lanzhou · Departure
Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, according to your flight schedule.
There is time to purchase local souvenirs before departure.
Your journey through the landscapes, history and cultural heritage of Northwest China comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (/); Dinner (/)
Accommodation Portfolio
Lanzhou | Luxury City Hotel
Zhangye | High-End International Hotel
Jiayuguan | High-End International Hotel
Dunhuang | Luxury Resort Guesthouse
Qinghai Lake | High-End International Hotel
Xining | High-End Hotel
Pricing & Details
[Pricing Note]
This is a high-end, customized itinerary. Quotes are flexible and tailored based on travel dates, group size, hotel tier, and selected experiences. Please consult our customer service for a detailed quote.
To proceed with booking, a $500 USD per person itinerary planning fee is required to secure your arrangements. This fee will be applied to your total trip cost and deducted from your final balance. Full payment is required 30 days prior to departure. If booking within 30 days of departure, immediate full payment may be required.
[Inclusions]
• Eight nights of hotel / guesthouse accommodation, including daily breakfast
• Meals from Day 2 to Day 8 as specified in the itinerary
• Private vehicle and driver throughout the journey
• Second-class high-speed rail tickets between Lanzhou and Zhangye and Xining and Lanzhou
• Airport and railway station transfers
• First-entry admission to Zhangye Danxia, Mati Temple, Jiayuguan Pass, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake, Mogao Caves (Category A), Qinghai Lake and Kumbum Monastery
• Required scenic-area transportation, including sightseeing vehicles at Zhangye Danxia, Mati Temple shuttle service and Mogao Caves shuttle
• Bilingual Chinese-English guide service from Day 2 to Day 8
• Driver service fees and parking fees
• Private dining rooms for the included specialty meals
[Exclusions]
• Meals on Day 1
• Drinks and beverages throughout the journey
• International round-trip flights
• Visa and entry-related services
• Optional experiences, including camel riding, desert electric vehicles, outdoor performances, desert bonfires and cycling at Qinghai Lake
• Personal expenses and travel insurance
• Oxygen cylinders and altitude-sickness medication
• Additional charges for upgrading to a Western-style breakfast
• Single-room supplement for solo travelers
• Any other expenses not expressly included
Important Notes & Terms
Itinerary Flexibility: As a customized tour, activities can be flexibly adjusted based on arrival time, weather, and personal preferences. The guide reserves the right to adjust the sequence of the tour for an optimal experience without reducing the core attractions.
Check-out Policy: Hotel check-out time is before 12:00 PM. For late check-out, please consult the front desk directly. Luggage can be stored at the reception while you wait in the lobby; please keep valuables with you.
High-Altitude Conditions: Qinghai Lake is approximately 3,200–3,300 metres above sea level. Avoid strenuous activity and alcohol after arrival, stay hydrated and inform your guide immediately if you experience any discomfort. Hotels at Qinghai Lake provide diffused oxygen. Facilities may differ from standard five-star hotels at lower altitudes.
Religious Etiquette: When visiting Kumbum Monastery, please avoid sleeveless or knee-revealing clothing and respect local religious customs. Photography inside the monastery is restricted in certain areas.
Dining: Specialty restaurant meals are served in private dining rooms. Drinks are not included, and unused meals are non-refundable. Hotel breakfasts combine Western and Chinese options. A fully Western breakfast may be arranged in advance and may incur an additional charge.
Optional Experiences: Camel riding, desert vehicles, live performances, desert bonfires and Qinghai Lake cycling are optional paid experiences and may be affected by weather.
Advance Reservations: Accommodation at the Dunhuang guesthouse and Qinghai Lake lake-view rooms can be limited during peak periods and may be non-refundable or non-changeable after booking. Popular restaurant private rooms should also be reserved in advance.
Cancellation & Changes: If you must cancel due to personal reasons, please notify us at least 30 days in advance, and we will do our best to help reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, the remaining balance will be refunded after deducting non-refundable costs (hotels, tickets, helicopter/golf reservations). No refunds will be issued for no-shows or mid-tour departures. For details, please refer to the Booking Terms.
Why travel with us
Beyond
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Experiences
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We will use it as the first thread in a journey designed around you.